Deflectable medical devices

ABSTRACT

Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may be a deflectable medical device that includes a catheter shaft having a distal end. An ablation electrode may be disposed at the distal end. A deflection mechanism may be coupled to the catheter shaft. The deflection mechanism may include a deflection body and a pull wire coupled to the deflection body. The deflection body may have a longitudinally-extending furrow formed therein. A flex member may be disposed adjacent to the deflection mechanism.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/548,582, filed Oct. 18, 2011, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure pertains to medical devices, and methods for manufacturing medical devices. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to deflectable medical devices and methods for manufacturing and using such devices.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of intracorporeal medical devices have been developed for medical use, for example, intravascular use. Some of these devices include guidewires, catheters, and the like. These devices are manufactured by any one of a variety of different manufacturing methods and may be used according to any one of a variety of methods. Of the known medical devices and methods, each has certain advantages and disadvantages. There is an ongoing need to provide alternative medical devices as well as alternative methods for manufacturing and using medical devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The invention provides design, material, manufacturing method, and use alternatives for medical devices. An example medical device may be a deflectable medical device that includes a catheter shaft having a distal end. An ablation electrode may be disposed at the distal end. A deflection mechanism may be coupled to the catheter shaft. The deflection mechanism may include a deflection body and a pull wire coupled to the deflection body. The deflection body may have a longitudinally-extending furrow formed therein. A flex member may be disposed adjacent to the deflection mechanism.

Another example medical device may be a deflectable medical device for ablating renal artery nerves. The medical device may include a catheter shaft including a proximal shaft portion, a deflection body coupled to the proximal shaft portion, a flex member coupled to the deflection body, and an ablation member coupled to the flex member. The deflection body may include a first longitudinally-extending spine, a second longitudinally-extending spine, a first set of ribs disposed between the first spine and the second spine, and a first furrow disposed along the first set of ribs. An actuation member may be coupled to the deflection body. The actuation member may be configured to shift the catheter shaft between a first straightened configuration and a second curved configuration. The actuation member may be disposed within the first furrow.

Another example deflectable medical device may include a catheter shaft having a distal end. An ablation electrode may be disposed at the distal end. A deflection mechanism may be coupled to the catheter shaft. The deflection mechanism may include a support coil, a biasing member, and a pull wire. The deflection mechanism may be configured to shift the catheter shaft between a first straightened configuration and a second curved configuration. A tubular member may be disposed adjacent to the deflection mechanism. The tubular member may have a plurality of slots formed therein.

The above summary of some embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The Figures, and Detailed Description, which follow, more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an example renal nerve modulation system;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating the location of the renal nerves relative to the renal artery;

FIG. 3 is a partially cut away side view of a portion of an example catheter;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an example catheter disposed within a body lumen;

FIG. 4A is a partial cross-sectional side view of another example catheter disposed within a body lumen;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of an example flex body;

FIG. 6 is a partially cut away side view of a portion of an example catheter;

FIG. 7 is a plan view for an example catheter;

FIG. 8 is a partially cut away side view of an example catheter;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of an example flex body;

FIG. 10 is a plan view for an example catheter;

FIG. 11 is a side view of an example flex body;

FIG. 12 is a side view of an example flex body;

FIG. 13 is a side view of an example flex body;

FIG. 14 is a side view of an example flex body; and

FIG. 15 is a partially cut away side view of an example catheter.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification.

All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances, the terms “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings in which similar elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

It is noted that references in the specification to “an embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “other embodiments”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, it should be understood that such feature, structure, or characteristic may also be used connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described unless clearly stated to the contrary.

Certain treatments may require the temporary or permanent interruption or modification of select nerve function. One example treatment is renal nerve ablation which is sometimes used to treat conditions related to hypertension and/or congestive heart failure. The kidneys produce a sympathetic response to congestive heart failure, which, among other effects, increases the undesired retention of water and/or sodium. Ablating some of the nerves running to the kidneys may reduce or eliminate this sympathetic function, which may provide a corresponding reduction in the associated undesired symptoms.

Many nerves (and nervous tissue such as brain tissue), including renal nerves, run along the walls of or in close proximity to blood vessels and thus can be accessed intravascularly through the walls of the blood vessels. In some instances, it may be desirable to ablate perivascular nerves using a radio frequency (RF) electrode. In other instances, the perivascular nerves may be ablated by other means including application of thermal, ultrasonic, laser, microwave, and other related energy sources to the vessel wall.

Because the nerves are hard to visualize, treatment methods employing such energy sources have tended to apply the energy as a generally circumferential ring to ensure that the nerves are modulated. However, such a treatment may result in thermal injury to the vessel wall near the electrode and other undesirable side effects such as, but not limited to, blood damage, clotting, weakened vessel wall, and/or protein fouling of the electrode.

While the devices and methods described herein are discussed relative to renal nerve modulation through a blood vessel wall, it is contemplated that the devices and methods may be used in other applications where nerve modulation and/or ablation are desired. The term modulation refers to ablation and other techniques that may alter the function of affected nerves.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an example renal nerve modulation system 10 in situ. System 10 may include a renal ablation catheter 12 and one or more conductive element(s) 14 for providing power to catheter 12. A proximal end of conductive element(s) 14 may be connected to a control and power element 16, which supplies necessary electrical energy to activate one or more electrodes (e.g., electrode 24 as shown in FIG. 3) disposed at or near a distal end of catheter 12. When suitably activated, the electrodes are capable of ablating adjacent tissue. The terms electrode and electrodes may be considered to be equivalent to elements capable of ablating adjacent tissue in the disclosure which follows. In some instances, return electrode patches 18 may be supplied on the legs or at another conventional location on the patient's body to complete the circuit.

Control and power element 16 may include monitoring elements to monitor parameters such as power, temperature, voltage, amperage, impedance, pulse size and/or shape and other suitable parameters, with sensors mounted along catheter, as well as suitable controls for performing the desired procedure. In some embodiments, power element 16 may control a radio frequency (RF) electrode. The electrode may be configured to operate at a frequency of approximately 460 kHz. It is contemplated that any desired frequency in the RF range may be used, for example, from 450-500 kHz. It is further contemplated that additionally and/or other ablation devices may be used as desired, for example, but not limited to resistance heating, ultrasound, microwave, and laser devices and these devices may require that power be supplied by the power element 16 in a different form.

FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of the renal anatomy in greater detail. More specifically, the renal anatomy includes renal nerves RN extending longitudinally along the lengthwise dimension of renal artery RA and generally within or near the adventitia of the artery. The human renal artery wall is typically about 1 mm thick of which 0.5 mm is the adventitial layer. As will be seen in the figure, the circumferential location of the nerves at any particular axial location may not be readily predicted. Nerves RA are difficult to visualize in situ and so treatment methods may desirably rely upon ablating multiple sites to ensure nerve modulation.

FIG. 3 is a partially cut away side view of catheter 12. Here, some of the structural features of catheter 12 can be seen. For example, catheter 12 may include a catheter shaft 20. Catheter shaft 20 may take the form of a metallic and/or polymer shaft and may include visualization (e.g., marker bands) and/or reinforcing structures (e.g., braids, coils, etc.) commonly used for catheter shafts. In at least some embodiments, catheter shaft 20 may form or define an outer surface of catheter 12. An ablation member or electrode 24 may be attached to catheter shaft 20. Ablation member 24 may be formed at or otherwise form a distal tip of catheter shaft 20. In general, ablation member 24 may be configured to ablate target tissue at or near a body lumen. For example, ablation member 24 may be used to ablate a renal nerve adjacent to a renal artery. Ablation member 24 may vary and may include a number of structures such as a plurality of wires (e.g., two wires) that connect with electrode wire 14 and, ultimately, control and power element 16. Electrode wire 14 may be soldered to a side slot on the ablation member 24, for example.

Ablation member 24 may also include other structures and/or features associated typically associated with ablation (e.g., thermal ablation) such as a temperature monitoring member 22, which may take the form of a thermocouple or thermistor. In at least some embodiments, a thermistor including two thermistor wires may be disposed adjacent to ablation member 24. In some embodiments, the wires are not physically connected to ablation member 24. The thermistor wires may terminate in the center bore of the ablation member 24 and may be potted with a thermally conducting epoxy in a plastic tube which is then glued to the bore of the ablation member 24.

When conducting a medical procedure that involves ablation, it may be desirable to place the ablation member (e.g., ablation member 24) near the target tissue so as to ablate the target while minimizing damage to non-targeted tissue. In order to more specifically place or steer catheter 12 to a position adjacent to the intended target, catheter 12 may be configured to be deflectable. Accordingly, catheter 12 may include a tubular member 26 that includes a flex body 28 that can be selectively bent. This allows a user to orient, for example, ablation member 24 in a desirable position within a body lumen. To effect deflection, one or more pull wires or actuation members 30 a/30 b may be coupled to flex body 28. This allows a user to actuate (e.g., “pull”) one or both of wires 30 a/30 b to deflect flex body 28 and, thus, catheter 12 (e.g., ablation member 24). In addition, wires 30 a/30 b may be stiff enough so that they can also be used to provide a pushing force on flex body 28 to, for example, straighten flex body 28. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the actuation member takes the form of a continuous wire that is looped through or otherwise coupled to a distal end of flex body 28 so as to define a pair of wire sections (e.g., wires 30 a/30 b). Other embodiments are contemplated, however, including embodiments where the actuation member includes a plurality of individual wires that are attached, for example, to the distal end of flex body 28.

To further aid in properly orienting catheter 12 within a body lumen, a flex tube 32 may be coupled to flex body 28 (e.g., at a distal end of flex body 28). Flex tube 32 may have a plurality of slots 34 formed therein. In general, flex tube 32 is configured to be flexible so that the distal portion of catheter 12 (e.g., adjacent to ablation member 24) can bend upon encountering the wall of a body lumen. Accordingly, flex tube 32 can bend when/if ablation member 24 engages the wall of the body lumen during deflection of flex body 28 so that ablation member 24 may atraumatically follow along the wall of the body lumen.

In at least some embodiments, flex body 28 and flex tube 32 are two distinct structures that are attached to one another. In other embodiments, flex body 28 and flex tube 32 are formed in tubular member 26 by selectively cutting the desired pattern into tubular member 26. For example, tubular member 26 may be cut in a first pattern that defines flex body 28 and tubular member 26 may be cut in a second pattern that defines flex tube 32. The cut patterns may be substantially continuous (e.g., where relatively little or no appreciable spacing is defined between the patterns) or the patterns may be longitudinally spaced so that a gap is defined therebetween. Analogously, flex body 28 and flex tube 32 may be substantially continuous with one another or longitudinally spaced from one another.

At a proximal end of flex body 28, a coil 36 may be coupled to flex body 28. Attachment between flex body 28 and coil 36 may be accomplished in a number of different manners. For example, flex body 28 may be directly attached to coil 36. Alternatively, a coupler member 38 may be attached to the proximal end of flex body 28 and coil 36 may be attached to coupler member 38. These are just examples. A variety of different structures and/or arrangements may be utilized without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Catheter 12 may also include a number of additional features commonly associated with medical devices. For example, catheter 12 may include radiopaque markers or bands, additional or alternative catheter shaft constructions (e.g., having lumens, reinforcements, balloons, or other catheter structures), a proximal hub and strain relief, and the like.

FIG. 4 illustrates catheter 12 disposed in a blood vessel 40. Here it can be seen how flex body 28 (and flex tube 32) can aid in the orientation of catheter 12 within blood vessel 40. In this example, pull wire 30 a may be actuated to cause flex body 28 to bend. This bends ablation member 24 toward the wall of blood vessel 40. Flex tube 32 allows catheter 12 to further bend so that ablation member 24 can trace along and lay flat against the wall of blood vessel 40. However, other embodiments are also contemplated that allow the tip of the electrode 24 to touch the wall of blood vessel 40 rather than lay flat against the wall. For example, FIG. 4A illustrates catheter 12′ that may be similar in form and function to other catheters disclosed herein. Catheter 12′ may lack flex tube 32. This allows the tip of electrode 22 to contact the wall of blood vessel 40. In some embodiments, the tip of electrode 22 may be insulated but thermally conductive and energy may be emitted from a point proximal of the tip. This may allow the ablation point of the electrode to be spaced from or otherwise positioned away from the vessel wall and may also improve heat dissipation at the point of electrode 22 contact, which may reduce potential thermal damage to the interior vessel wall.

FIG. 5 illustrates flex body 28 and some of the additional structural features contemplated for flex body 28. For example, flex body 28 may include a pair of longitudinally-extending spines 42 a/42 b. In some embodiments, spines 42 a/42 b are disposed on opposite sides of flex body 28. However, other embodiments are contemplated where spines 42 a/42 b have a different distribution and/or where flex body 28 includes a different number of spines (e.g., more or less). Between spines 42 a/42 b, a plurality of slots 44 a/44 b may be formed in flex body 28 that define a plurality of ribs 46 a/46 b. In general, each of the ribs 46 a/46 b extend between adjacent spines 42 a/42 b.

One or more furrows, for example furrows 48 a/48 b, may be formed along ribs 46 a/46 b. Furrows 48 a/48 b may generally take the form of indentations or dimples that extend longitudinally along flex body 28. Furrows 48 a/48 b may be formed in any suitable way. For example, in some embodiments, flex body 28 may be made from a shape memory and/or super elastic material such as a nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., nitinol). In these embodiments, flex body 28 may be deformed into the desired shape, for example using a suitably shaped fixture, and flex body 28 may be heat set to the desired shape. In other embodiments, a fixture or tool may be used to bend or deform into the desired shape. Furrows 48 a/48 b may house pull wire sections 30 a/30 b as shown in FIG. 6. As such, a user may actuate pull wire section 30 a to deflect catheter 12 in a first direction A and a user may actuate pull wire section 30 b to deflect catheter 12 in a second direction B as shown in FIG. 7. To aid in deflection, a user may also push with the opposite wire (e.g., to deflect in direction A, a user may pull on pull wire section 30 a while pushing on pull wire section 30 b). Some embodiments of flex body 28 may lack furrows 48 a and/or 48 b. In some of these and in other embodiments, pull wire sections 30 a/30 b may extend along the exterior of flex body 28, along the interior of flex body 28, through another structure disposed adjacent to (e.g., along the exterior, along the interior, etc.) flex body 28, or have any other suitable positioning.

In some embodiments, a plurality of pull wires or pull wire sections 30 a/30 b may be used. However, in some embodiments, only a single pull wire 30 may be used as shown in FIG. 8. In these embodiments, flex body 28 may be formed with only a single furrow (e.g., furrow 48 a) to house pull wire 30. However, flex body 28 may just as easily have a pair of furrows 48 a/48 b (e.g., where one of the furrows 48 a/48 b is “empty”) or any other suitable configuration.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example flex body 128. Flex body 128 may include a singular longitudinally-extending spine 142. Just like in flex body 28, cuts 144 may be formed in flex body 128 that define ribs 146. Furrow 148 may extend along ribs 146 and form a location that houses pull wire 130. Flex body 128 may function similarly to other flex bodies disclosed herein. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates that a user may actuate pull wire 130 to deflect catheter 112 in direction C. Catheter 112 may return to the “undeflected” configuration by pushing on pull wire 130 and/or via elastic recovery of flex body 128.

FIGS. 11-14 illustrate variations that are contemplated for any of the flex bodies disclosed herein. In general, these variations may be used with any of the flex bodies disclosed herein. For example, in FIG. 11 an example flex body 228 is shown having slots 244 and ribs 246. Spine 242 has a width W. In contrast, FIG. 12 shows flex body 228′ having slots 244′, ribs 246′, and spine 242′. Spine 242 has a width W′, which is different from width W. Collectively, these figures illustrate that a variety of spine widths are contemplated for any of the flex bodies disclosed herein. In general, as the width of the spine narrows, less force is required to deflect the flex body. However, such flex bodies may have less elastic recovery force to return to a straightened configuration (e.g., if an actuation member is not used to “push” the flex body straight). Conversely, a wider spine may require greater force to deflect but has more elastic recovery. In addition, a flex body with a wider spine may also transmit torque along its length more efficiently. In some interventions it may be desirable to utilize a flex body having enhanced flexibility (e.g, smaller spine widths) and in other interventions it may be desirable to utilize a flex body with enhanced stiffness (e.g., larger spine widths). Accordingly, variability in the width of the spine allows a variety of different flex bodies to be manufactured with characteristics that are tailored to the particular intervention.

FIG. 13 illustrates another example flex body 328. Flex body 328 includes slots 344 and ribs 346. In this embodiment, the width of spine 342 tapers. Accordingly, a first region 342 a of spine 342 has a different width than a second region 342 b. Tapering the width of spine 342 may be desirable for a number of reasons. For example, a tapered spine 342 may provide a smooth transition in flexibility that allows the flexural properties of flex body 328 to be more closely matched with those of adjacent structures. This may help reduce kinking.

FIG. 14 illustrates another example flex body 428. Flex body 428 includes slots 444 and ribs 446. In this example, spine 442 may have a first region 442 a, a second region 442 b, and a third region 442 c disposed between regions 442 a/442 b. The spine width along first region 442 a and along second region 442 b are generally larger than along third region 442 c. This may define an “hour glass” shape or configuration for spine 442 with a region (e.g., third region 442 c) with greater flexibility.

In addition to what is disclosed herein, a variety of additional flex bodies are contemplated where the width of the spine varies differently from what is shown. For example, a step taper in spine width may be utilized. Alternatively, a linear taper, a non-linear taper, a parabolic taper, a curved or curvilinear taper, or the like may be utilized. In addition, a variety of slot variations/configuration may be utilized including those variations disclosed herein. Furthermore, tubular member 26 (or any other tubular member that includes the various flex bodies and/or flex tubes disclosed herein) may be selectively heat treated along a portion of the length thereof to temper or otherwise alter the mechanical properties of the material. These are just examples.

FIG. 15 illustrates another example catheter 512. Catheter 512 includes catheter shaft 520. Ablation member 524 may be coupled to catheter shaft 520. Catheter 512 includes a deflection member 548, which takes the form of a coil. Deflection member 548 may be bonded to or otherwise coupled with catheter shaft 520 and/or flex body 532. A tension wire 550 may be coupled to coil 548. In general, tension wire 550 may function as a pull wire that can be used to deflect coil 548 and, thus, catheter shaft 520. A biasing member 552 may also be coupled to coil 548. Biasing member 552 may take the form of a ribbon, which may result in planar deflection of catheter 512. In at least some embodiments, biasing member 552 may have a width that is sufficiently large so as to prevent or reduce non-planar buckling thereof during deflection of catheter 512. In general, biasing member 552 may be configured to bias catheter shaft 520 into a straightened configuration. Accordingly, when pulling forces are released from tension wire 550, biasing member 552 may shift catheter shaft 520 from a deflected configuration to a generally straightened configuration. Wire 550 may be attached to member 552 and extend through a tube 554 to a position accessible to a clinician.

The use of a coiled deflection member 548 may be desirable for a number of reasons. For example, coil 548 may be a relatively simple and cost effective structure that can provide the desired deflectability to catheter 512. In addition, coil 548 can be fabricated in a variety of different sizes including sizes appropriate for navigating catheter 512 through relatively small body lumens and/or blood vessels.

The materials that can be used for the various components of catheter 12 (and/or other catheters disclosed herein) and the various bodies and/or members disclosed herein may include those commonly associated with medical devices. For simplicity purposes, the following discussion makes reference to tubular member 26 and other components of catheter 12. However, this is not intended to limit the devices and methods described herein, as the discussion may be applied to other similar tubular members and/or components of tubular members or devices disclosed herein.

Tubular member 26 and/or other components of catheter 12 may be made from a metal, metal alloy, polymer (some examples of which are disclosed below), a metal-polymer composite, ceramics, combinations thereof, and the like, or other suitable material. Some examples of suitable metals and metal alloys include stainless steel, such as 304V, 304L, and 316LV stainless steel; mild steel; nickel-titanium alloy such as linear-elastic and/or super-elastic nitinol; other nickel alloys such as nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: N06625 such as INCONEL® 625, UNS: N06022 such as HASTELLOY® C-22®, UNS: N10276 such as HASTELLOY® C276®, other HASTELLOY® alloys, and the like), nickel-copper alloys (e.g., UNS: N04400 such as MONEL® 400, NICKELVAC® 400, NICORROS® 400, and the like), nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: R30035 such as MP35-N® and the like), nickel-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: N10665 such as HASTELLOY® ALLOY B2®), other nickel-chromium alloys, other nickel-molybdenum alloys, other nickel-cobalt alloys, other nickel-iron alloys, other nickel-copper alloys, other nickel-tungsten or tungsten alloys, and the like; cobalt-chromium alloys; cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: R30003 such as ELGILOY®, PHYNOX®, and the like); platinum enriched stainless steel; titanium; combinations thereof; and the like; or any other suitable material.

As alluded to herein, within the family of commercially available nickel-titanium or nitinol alloys, is a category designated “linear elastic” or “non-super-elastic” which, although may be similar in chemistry to conventional shape memory and super elastic varieties, may exhibit distinct and useful mechanical properties. Linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nitinol may be distinguished from super elastic nitinol in that the linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nitinol does not display a substantial “superelastic plateau” or “flag region” in its stress/strain curve like super elastic nitinol does. Instead, in the linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nitinol, as recoverable strain increases, the stress continues to increase in a substantially linear, or a somewhat, but not necessarily entirely linear relationship until plastic deformation begins or at least in a relationship that is more linear that the super elastic plateau and/or flag region that may be seen with super elastic nitinol. Thus, for the purposes of this disclosure linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nitinol may also be termed “substantially” linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nitinol.

In some cases, linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nitinol may also be distinguishable from super elastic nitinol in that linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nitinol may accept up to about 2-5% strain while remaining substantially elastic (e.g., before plastically deforming) whereas super elastic nitinol may accept up to about 8% strain before plastically deforming. Both of these materials can be distinguished from other linear elastic materials such as stainless steel (that can also can be distinguished based on its composition), which may accept only about 0.2 to 0.44 percent strain before plastically deforming.

In some embodiments, the linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nickel-titanium alloy is an alloy that does not show any martensite/austenite phase changes that are detectable by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic metal thermal analysis (DMTA) analysis over a large temperature range. For example, in some embodiments, there may be no martensite/austenite phase changes detectable by DSC and DMTA analysis in the range of about −60 degrees Celsius (° C.) to about 120° C. in the linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nickel-titanium alloy. The mechanical bending properties of such material may therefore be generally inert to the effect of temperature over this very broad range of temperature. In some embodiments, the mechanical bending properties of the linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nickel-titanium alloy at ambient or room temperature are substantially the same as the mechanical properties at body temperature, for example, in that they do not display a super-elastic plateau and/or flag region. In other words, across a broad temperature range, the linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nickel-titanium alloy maintains its linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic characteristics and/or properties.

In some embodiments, the linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nickel-titanium alloy may be in the range of about 50 to about 60 weight percent nickel, with the remainder being essentially titanium. In some embodiments, the composition is in the range of about 54 to about 57 weight percent nickel. One example of a suitable nickel-titanium alloy is FHP-NT alloy commercially available from Furukawa Techno Material Co. of Kanagawa, Japan. Some examples of nickel titanium alloys are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,238,004 and 6,508,803, which are incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable materials may include ULTANIUM™ (available from Neo-Metrics) and GUM METAL™ (available from Toyota). In some other embodiments, a superelastic alloy, for example a superelastic nitinol can be used to achieve desired properties.

In at least some embodiments, portions or all of catheter shaft 20 and/or tubular member 26 may also be doped with, made of, or otherwise include a radiopaque material. Radiopaque materials are understood to be materials capable of producing a relatively bright image on a fluoroscopy screen or another imaging technique during a medical procedure. This relatively bright image aids the user of catheter 12 in determining its location. Some examples of radiopaque materials can include, but are not limited to, gold, platinum, palladium, tantalum, tungsten alloy, polymer material loaded with a radiopaque filler, and the like. Additionally, other radiopaque marker bands and/or coils may also be incorporated into the design of catheter 12 to achieve the same result.

In some embodiments, a degree of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) compatibility is imparted into catheter 12. For example, catheter shaft 20 and/or tubular member 26, or portions thereof, may be made of a material that does not substantially distort the image and create substantial artifacts (i.e., gaps in the image). Certain ferromagnetic materials, for example, may not be suitable because they may create artifacts in an MRI image. Catheter shaft 20 and/or tubular member 26, or portions thereof, may also be made from a material that the MRI machine can image. Some materials that exhibit these characteristics include, for example, tungsten, cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: R30003 such as ELGILOY®, PHYNOX®, and the like), nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: R30035 such as MP35-N® and the like), nitinol, and the like, and others.

A sheath or covering (not shown) may be disposed over portions or all of catheter shaft 20 and/or tubular member 26 that may define a generally smooth outer surface for catheter 12. In other embodiments, however, such a sheath or covering may be absent from a portion of all of catheter 12, such that tubular member 26 and/or catheter shaft 20 may form the outer surface. The sheath may be made from a polymer or other suitable material. Some examples of suitable polymers may include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polyoxymethylene (POM, for example, DELRIN® available from DuPont), polyether block ester, polyurethane (for example, Polyurethane 85A), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyether-ester (for example, ARNITEL® available from DSM Engineering Plastics), ether or ester based copolymers (for example, butylene/poly(alkylene ether) phthalate and/or other polyester elastomers such as HYTREL® available from DuPont), polyamide (for example, DURETHAN® available from Bayer or CRISTAMID® available from Elf Atochem), elastomeric polyamides, block polyamide/ethers, polyether block amide (PEBA, for example available under the trade name PEBAX®), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), silicones, polyethylene (PE), Marlex high-density polyethylene, Marlex low-density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene (for example REXELL®), polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide (PI), polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), poly paraphenylene terephthalamide (for example, KEVLAR®), polysulfone, nylon, nylon-12 (such as GRILAMID® available from EMS American Grilon), perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether) (PFA), ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyolefin, polystyrene, epoxy, polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC), poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (for example, SIBS and/or SIBS 50A), polycarbonates, ionomers, biocompatible polymers, other suitable materials, or mixtures, combinations, copolymers thereof, polymer/metal composites, and the like. In some embodiments the sheath can be blended with a liquid crystal polymer (LCP). For example, the mixture can contain up to about 6 percent LCP.

In some embodiments, the exterior surface of the catheter 12 (including, for example, the exterior surface of catheter shaft 20 and/or the exterior surface of tubular member 26) may be sandblasted, beadblasted, sodium bicarbonate-blasted, electropolished, etc. In these as well as in some other embodiments, a coating, for example a lubricious, a hydrophilic, a protective, or other type of coating may be applied over portions or all of the sheath, or in embodiments without a sheath over portion of catheter shaft 20 or other portions of catheter 12. Alternatively, the sheath may comprise a lubricious, hydrophilic, protective, or other type of coating. Hydrophobic coatings such as fluoropolymers provide a dry lubricity which improves guidewire handling and device exchanges. Lubricious coatings improve steerability and improve lesion crossing capability. Suitable lubricious polymers are well known in the art and may include silicone and the like, hydrophilic polymers such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyarylene oxides, polyvinylpyrolidones, polyvinylalcohols, hydroxy alkyl cellulosics, algins, saccharides, caprolactones, and the like, and mixtures and combinations thereof. Hydrophilic polymers may be blended among themselves or with formulated amounts of water insoluble compounds (including some polymers) to yield coatings with suitable lubricity, bonding, and solubility. Some other examples of such coatings and materials and methods used to create such coatings can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,139,510 and 5,772,609, which are incorporated herein by reference.

In addition to variations in materials, various embodiments of arrangements and configurations are also contemplated for slots 34 formed in flex tube 32 and for slots 44 a/44 b formed in flex body 28 in addition to what is described above or may be used in alternate embodiments. Similar and/or analogous changes are also contemplated for ribs 46 a/46 b (as well as other ribs disclosed herein) including designs for differing rib geometries. For simplicity purposes, the following discussion makes reference to slots 34. However, this discussion may also be applicable to any of the cuts or slots disclosed herein as well as any of the ribs disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, at least some, if not all of slots 34 are disposed at the same or a similar angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of tubular member 26. As shown, slots 34 can be disposed at an angle that is perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, and/or can be characterized as being disposed in a plane that is normal to the longitudinal axis of tubular member 26. However, in other embodiments, slots 34 can be disposed at an angle that is not perpendicular, and/or can be characterized as being disposed in a plane that is not normal to the longitudinal axis of tubular member 26. Additionally, a group of one or more slots 34 may be disposed at different angles relative to another group of one or more slots 34. The distribution and/or configuration of slots 34 can also include, to the extent applicable, any of those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Publication No. US 2004/0181174, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

Slots 34 may be provided to enhance the flexibility of tubular member 26 while still allowing for suitable torque transmission characteristics. Slots 34 may be formed such that one or more rings and/or tube segments interconnected by one or more segments and/or beams that are formed in tubular member 26, and such tube segments and beams may include portions of tubular member 26 that remain after slots 34 are formed in the body of tubular member 26. Such an interconnected structure may act to maintain a relatively high degree of torsional stiffness, while maintaining a desired level of lateral flexibility. In some embodiments, some adjacent slots 34 can be formed such that they include portions that overlap with each other about the circumference of tubular member 26. In other embodiments, some adjacent slots 34 can be disposed such that they do not necessarily overlap with each other, but are disposed in a pattern that provides the desired degree of lateral flexibility.

Additionally, slots 34 can be arranged along the length of, or about the circumference of, tubular member 26 to achieve desired properties. For example, adjacent slots 34, or groups of slots 34, can be arranged in a symmetrical pattern, such as being disposed essentially equally on opposite sides about the circumference of tubular member 26, or can be rotated by an angle relative to each other about the axis of tubular member 26. Additionally, adjacent slots 34, or groups of slots 34, may be equally spaced along the length of tubular member 26, or can be arranged in an increasing or decreasing density pattern, or can be arranged in a non-symmetric or irregular pattern. Other characteristics, such as slot size, slot shape, and/or slot angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of tubular member 26, can also be varied along the length of tubular member 26 in order to vary the flexibility or other properties. In other embodiments, moreover, it is contemplated that the portions of the tubular member, such as a proximal section, or a distal section, or the entire tubular member 26, may not include any such slots 34.

As suggested herein, slots 34 may be formed in groups of two, three, four, five, or more slots 34, which may be located at substantially the same location along the axis of tubular member 26. Alternatively, a single slot 34 may be disposed at some or all of these locations. Within the groups of slots 34, there may be included slots 34 that are equal in size (i.e., span the same circumferential distance around tubular member 26). In some of these as well as other embodiments, at least some slots 34 in a group are unequal in size (i.e., span a different circumferential distance around tubular member 26). Longitudinally adjacent groups of slots 34 may have the same or different configurations. For example, some embodiments of tubular member 26 include slots 34 that are equal in size in a first group and then unequally sized in an adjacent group. It can be appreciated that in groups that have two slots 34 that are equal in size and are symmetrically disposed around the tube circumference, the centroid of the pair of beams (i.e., the portion of tubular member 26 remaining after slots 34 are formed therein) is coincident with the central axis of tubular member 26. Conversely, in groups that have two slots 34 that are unequal in size and whose centroids are directly opposed on the tube circumference, the centroid of the pair of beams can be offset from the central axis of tubular member 26. Some embodiments of tubular member 26 include only slot groups with centroids that are coincident with the central axis of the tubular member 26, only slot groups with centroids that are offset from the central axis of tubular member 26, or slot groups with centroids that are coincident with the central axis of tubular member 26 in a first group and offset from the central axis of tubular member 26 in another group. The amount of offset may vary depending on the depth (or length) of slots 34 and can include other suitable distances.

Slots 34 can be formed by methods such as micro-machining, saw-cutting (e.g., using a diamond grit embedded semiconductor dicing blade), electrical discharge machining, grinding, milling, casting, molding, chemically etching or treating, or other known methods, and the like. In some such embodiments, the structure of the tubular member 26 is formed by cutting and/or removing portions of the tube to form slots 34. Some example embodiments of appropriate micromachining methods and other cutting methods, and structures for tubular members including slots and medical devices including tubular members are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Publication Nos. 2003/0069522 and 2004/0181174-A2; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,766,720; and 6,579,246, the entire disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. Some example embodiments of etching processes are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,106,455, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. It should be noted that the methods for manufacturing catheter 12 may include forming slots 34 in tubular member 26 using these or other manufacturing steps.

In at least some embodiments, slots 34 may be formed in tubular member using a laser cutting process. The laser cutting process may include a suitable laser and/or laser cutting apparatus. For example, the laser cutting process may utilize a fiber laser. Utilizing processes like laser cutting may be desirable for a number of reasons. For example, laser cutting processes may allow tubular member 26 to be cut into a number of different cutting patterns in a precisely controlled manner. This may include variations in the slot width, ring width, beam height and/or width, etc. Furthermore, changes to the cutting pattern can be made without the need to replace the cutting instrument (e.g., blade). This may also allow smaller tubes (e.g., having a smaller outer diameter) to be used to form tubular member 26 without being limited by a minimum cutting blade size. Consequently, tubular members 26 may be fabricated for use in neurological devices or other devices where a relatively small size may be desired.

EXAMPLES

The invention may be further clarified by reference to the following Examples, which serve to exemplify some of the embodiments, and not to limit the invention in any way.

Example 1

It can be appreciated that a tubular member such as tubular member 26 can most easily bend until the opposing wall surfaces on opposite sides of slots 34 contact one another. For the purpose of this disclosure, the point where opposing wall surface of tubular member 26 on opposite sides of slots 34 is termed the “crash point”. The crash point may define a limit to the radius of curvature for tubular member 26. The lower limit to the radius of curvature (RC) may be a function of the depth of slots 34 (hereafter SD), the width of slots 34 (hereafter SW), and the distance between adjacent slots 34 (hereafter D) as in the following formula: RC=SD+(SW/2)*[sin(D/SD)+(1+cos(D/SD)*tan(π/2−D/SD)]

An example flex body 28 and an example flex body 128 were modeled using SOLID WORKS software (commercially available from Dassault Systemes SolidWorks Corp., Concord, Mass.). In the models, the SW was set to 0.004 inches and the distance D was set to 0.006 inches. In the model, the radius of curvature was measured. The results are listed in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Radius of Curvature for Example Flex Bodies SD SW D RC Flex Body (inches) (inches) (inches) (inches) Flex Body 28 0.0094 0.004 0.006 0.015452 Flex Body 128 0.0339 0.004 0.006 0.0564409 It may be desirable to form flex bodies 28/128 so that they can achieve a relatively small radius of curvature. This may allow flex bodies 28/128 to navigate the anatomy. For example, flex bodies 28/128 are contemplated that can achieve a relatively small radius of curvature so that the device including such bodies can travel through the aorta and into the renal artery (which may be offset nearly ninety degrees from the aorta). Factors such as variation in the slot depth, slow width, distance between adjacent slots, rib geometry, rib shape, rib spacing, etc. may be taken into account when constructing a flex body with the desired features.

Example 2

An example deflectable ablation catheter was manufactured. The catheter included a flex body having a plurality of cuts formed therein and having a spine. An insulated but thermally conductive electrode was attached to the catheter just distal of the flex body. A pull wire was attached to the catheter at a distal end of the flex body.

The example catheter included a nitinol tubular member with four continuous sections. The tubular member had an inner diameter of 0.032 inches. A first section of the tubular member was attached to the electrode and was 0.027 inches long. A 0.060 inch second section extended from the first section and included a round hole (0.010 inches in diameter) where the pull wire was attached. A third section (taking the form of a flex body) extended from the second section. The third section was 0.396 inches long and included a plurality of cuts that were 0.006 inches wide and longitudinally spaced 0.012 inches from one another. The beam length was stepped from proximal to distal 0.010, 0.008, and 0.005 inches. The third section had two spines on opposite sides of the tubular member. Finally, a fourth section of the tubular member extended from the third section. The fourth section was 0.060 inches long and included two 0.010 inch glue holes for attaching the fourth section to a coupler. A 0.010×0.018 wire cave was formed in the fourth section.

The example catheter was used to treat a female Yorkshire pig. The catheter was advanced to the right renal artery of the animal via a femoral artery. The pull wire was used to deflect the catheter so that the electrode tip contacted the luminal surface of the artery and power was supplied to the electrode with an ablation controller. The deflection mechanism was used to deflect the electrode tip to multiple locations on all sides of the artery, allowing ablation at each location.

It should be understood that this disclosure is, in many respects, only illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps without exceeding the scope of the invention. This may include, to the extent that it is appropriate, the use of any of the features of one example embodiment being used in other embodiments. The invention's scope is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A deflectable medical device, comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end; an ablation electrode disposed at the distal end; a deflection mechanism coupled to the catheter shaft, the deflection mechanism including a deflection body and a pull wire coupled to the deflection body; wherein the deflection body has an exterior surface and a longitudinally-extending furrow defined by an indentation in the exterior surface of the deflection body; and a flex member disposed adjacent to the deflection mechanism.
 2. The deflectable medical device of claim 1, wherein the deflection body includes a first longitudinally-extending spine and wherein a first group of slots are formed in the deflection body and define a first group of ribs.
 3. The deflectable medical device of claim 2, wherein the first spine has a constant width.
 4. The deflectable medical device of claim 2, wherein the first spine is tapered.
 5. The deflectable medical device of claim 2, wherein the first spine includes a first portion having a first width, a second portion having a second width, and a third portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion and having a third width that is less than both the first width and the second width.
 6. The deflectable medical device of claim 2, wherein the deflection body includes a second longitudinally-extending spine and wherein a second group of slots are formed in the deflection body and define a second group of ribs.
 7. The deflectable medical device of claim 6, wherein the first longitudinally-extending spine and the second longitudinally-extending spine are positioned on opposite sides of the deflection body.
 8. The deflectable medical device of claim 1, wherein the flex member is attached to a distal end of the deflection body.
 9. The deflectable medical device of claim 1, wherein the flex member includes a tubular member having a plurality of slots formed therein.
 10. The deflectable medical device of claim 1, wherein the pull wire is disposed within the furrow.
 11. The deflectable medical device of claim 1, wherein the deflection body includes a second furrow, and further comprising a second pull wire disposed within the second furrow.
 12. The deflectable medical device of claim 1, wherein the deflection body is configured to have a preferred bending direction.
 13. The deflectable medical device of claim 1, wherein the deflection body is configured to have more than one preferred bending direction. 